Chartering in the Caribbean at Christmas

Thought about swapping a white Christmas to a white sands Christmas? Well this guide will give you the low down on why you should consider chartering a yacht this Christmas. Where better to charter than the Caribbean?

We all imagine crystal blue seas and long white sand beaches when we think of a luxury holiday, and the Caribbean is that stereotype of paradise. With a great variety of charter destinations, and itineraries available, you can plan your Christmas travels at ease.

Yachts are the best way to travel around the Caribbean, providing access to islands and remote beaches that would otherwise be unreachable. You can sail around the coastline, or sit at anchor in the waters and take in the beautiful scenery.

Antigua

Antigua is a Yacht hot spot for sailing enthusiasts. You can take in the history of the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, or enjoy a race with a professional crew at the rum fuelled Antigua Race week. But the Christmas celebrations are a colourful festivity.

The high lights include the Christmas Masquerade Party, hosted at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and a Champagne Celebration in Nelson’s Boatyard at the Antigua Yacht Club, hosted on Christmas day. This is an amazing event to be a part of, as locals and tourist all gather to listen to live bands with a glass of champagne in their hands and a glorious festive atmosphere.

A bonus of this event is that the proceeds benefit the Hourglass Foundation. The Hourglass Foundation raises funds every year at this event to financially assist a variety of charities, the charity in question changing annually.

Virgin Gorda

One of the most picturesque of these islands is the Virgin Gorda. Complete with breath-taking views and natural baths, you won’t want to leave. The unique Baths of Virgin Gorda are made up of huge granite stones, forming natural seawater pools. You can sunbathe on top of the rocks, or snorkel in one of the pools or grottos, before heading back to your yacht to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand with your loved ones.

Jost Van Dyke Island

Enjoy a stroll along the soft, sandy beaches of White Bay, or go for a dive in the underwater ‘trails’ and caves before sailing over to Trunk Bay in St. John, where you can swim beside the white beaches covered with coconut palm trees.

Jost Van Dyke is also the home of the world’s best lobster, so why not go try that for yourself?  And try out the local seafood restaurants. However, the most famous restaurant is Foxy’s, who host the mother of all New Year’s Eve parties.

Hundreds of boats turn up around the harbour here, turning it into one giant floating party. This celebration is said to be in the top three for best places to be in the world on New Year’s Eve, alongside Trafalgar Square and Times Square.

Anegada

Unlike the other volcanic islands, Anegada consists entirely of coral. unlike the other volcanic islands. Visit Loblolly Bay, renowned for its beautiful beach, culture and reef snorkelling. If you head to the North of this island you may be lucky enough to sight the islands famous Flamingos.

Peter Island

Anchor down in the striking Dead Man’s Bay, with its beautiful white sand beach and enjoy a swim or snorkel in the sea’s grass beds. If you are up to the challenge, you could try to find a sea turtle, as a few have been spotted in the area.

There’s also water skiing and wind-surfing activities available along at Great Harbour, at the Peter Island Resort beach. Enjoy watching the sunset on the horizon as you stroll along the beach, and finish at Peter Island Resort restaurant for a romantic meal.

St. Croix

In the U.S Virgin Islands, you can find St. Croix, where the annual, month-long Crucian Christmas Festival begins the first Saturday of December.  Featuring Caribbean carnival traditions such as J’ouvert parties, parades, calypso contests, the crowning of a Queen and King, and a special festival village.

Mid-December, in the middle of this festival, there is a gathering along the Christensted boardwalk where the annual St. Croix Boat Parade is hosted. The evening is a procession of watercrafts of all shapes and sizes, illuminated with Christmas lights while music and fireworks go off. The Crucian Christmas festival ends the first Saturday of the New Year, allowing this event to last for Christmas and New Year.

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